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Founder Nick Hounsfield, who has battled to get his plans off the ground for six years, said: “It’s a massive relief to finally be on site and we’re all incredibly excited.

“It’s been a very frustrating process at times but if you asked anyone in my team they’d tell you I’m one of the most optimistic people on the planet.

“There were some lower moments along the way but I never once thought it wouldn’t happen. The key was not to have a Plan B – I had a Plan A from the start and I was determined to deliver it no matter what.”

Mr Hounsfield's aim is to allow everyone to enjoy the cutting-edge facility - not just experienced surfers.

He hopes that people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds will be able to utilise the project.

An artist's impression of the site plan (Image: LHC Landscape Design)

The biggest setbacks to the project came as a result of the financial implications of the Brexit vote, with the value of the Pound falling against the dollar and the Euro, and from advances in technology, with Nick determined to secure the most up-to-date mechanics possible.

“Constant advances in technology meant plans had to be redrawn on several occasions,” added the surfing fanatic.

“Of course it was frustrating but as it’s such a big project, we wanted to make sure we could make it as good as it could possibly be, and the feedback we’ve had from surfers of all ability on Cove has been unanimous.

"We're now fully confident that it's going to be a truly astounding facility."

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It is hoped that The Wave can not only be a great asset to Somerset, but also have a big impact on the nation’s fortunes at major surfing competitions around the world, with elite surfers expected to train there frequently.

Bruce Daniel, chairman of Surfing England, said: “Surfing England in its role as the National Governing Body is hugely excited and supportive of the plans for The Wave.

“We see it as a facility that will promote the benefits and values of surfing to people across all sections of society.”